Connecticut Land Conservation Council - Bloghttp://ctconservation.org/staff-blog
enThe Amazon is Burninghttp://ctconservation.org/amazon-burning
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/scientists-have-been-underestimating-the-pace-of-climate-change/?fbclid=IwAR1JaRiPkIpETHHQpFSBkgtGes272VQWcc36g-cC_kuTOX5ep_LDevIaJvo" target="_blank" style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Scientists have been underestimating the pace of climate change</a></span><a href="https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/scientists-have-been-underestimating-the-pace-of-climate-change/?fbclid=IwAR1JaRiPkIpETHHQpFSBkgtGes272VQWcc36g-cC_kuTOX5ep_LDevIaJvo" target="_blank" style="letter-spacing: 0px;">.</a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2019/08/08/solving-climate-change-requires-fixing-forests-food-landmark-un-report-finds/" target="_blank" style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Changing climate threatens global food and water supplies</a></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">. </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/national/climate-environment/climate-change-america/" target="_blank" style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Connecticut is one of the fastest warming states</a></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">. </span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/12/climate/endangered-species-act-changes.html" target="_blank" style="letter-spacing: 0px;">T<span style="text-decoration: underline;">he federal administration has significantly weakened The Endangered Species Act</span></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">. </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190723121912.htm" target="_blank" style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Animals can't adapt fast enough to climate change</a></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">.</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/marshallshepherd/2019/08/22/you-probably-know-the-amazon-is-burningheres-why-it-matters-to-you/#7f49562b771a" target="_blank">The Amazon is burning</a></span>.</strong></p>
<p><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The headlines have been tough to read these days. </span></p>
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<p class="gl-contains-text">They make me anxious. They make me sad. They make me angry.</p>
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<p class="gl-contains-text">They also make me more determined than ever to work with you and Connecticut’s land trusts to do whatever we can to make a difference. </p>
<ul><li><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Save more land and water. </span><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/reports/2019/08/06/473242/much-nature-america-keep/" target="_blank" style="font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0px;">At least 30% by 2030 according to a recent study</a></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">.</span></em></strong></li>
<li>Better protect the land we have. <strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.sciencenews.org/article/planting-trees-could-buy-more-time-fight-climate-change-thought" target="_blank">Plant more trees</a></span>. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/dont-burn-trees-to-fight-climate-changelet-them-grow" target="_blank">Save more forests</a></span>.</em></strong></li>
<li>Support local, sustainably grown food. <strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://ctnofa.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2019_guide_web.pdf" target="_blank">Find a farm or CSA</a></span>.</em></strong></li>
<li>Ramp up messaging around the climate. <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm9_WwM6j5AIViZyzCh2HUwwmEAMYAiAAEgITQvD_BwE" target="_blank">Communicate</a></strong></span> the importance of conserved land as a natural climate solution. </em></li>
<li>Speak up. If not for us, then <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/2019/04/how-to-prepare-kids-for-climate-change/" target="_blank">for our kids</a></em></strong></span> and theirs.</li>
</ul><p style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: #111111; background-color: #ffffff;"><img src="/sites/default/files/images/ABP_%20Josie%20and%20Harriet%20May%202018%20cropped%20%281%29.jpg" alt="Amy, Josie and Harriet" width="250" height="206" style="float: right;" />We can’t afford to do anything less.</p>
<p>Sincerely,
</p><p> </p>
<p class="gl-contains-text"><img src="/sites/default/files/images/Amy%20short%20png_1.PNG" alt="Amy Signature" width="100" height="100" style="float: left;" /></p>
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<p class="gl-contains-text">Amy Blaymore Paterson, Esq.<br />Executive Director<br /><a href="mailto:%20abpaterson@ctconservation.org">abpaterson@ctconservation.org</a></p>
<p class="gl-contains-text"><strong><a href="mailto:%20abpaterson@ctconservation.org">P.S. Final headline: </a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:%20abpaterson@ctconservation.org">Take a break and enjoy the land you love</a></span><a href="mailto:%20abpaterson@ctconservation.org">. You'll feel better.</a></strong></p>
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</div></div></div>Fri, 30 Aug 2019 16:14:39 +0000Cristina Gastador1497 at http://ctconservation.orgBuilding Bridgeshttp://ctconservation.org/building-bridges
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div>What do you call a dozen motivated volunteers, from three different land trusts, working together with two consultants, to build a bridge on a new preserve in 90-degree heat?</div>
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<div><strong>CLCC’s New London County Land Trust Advancement Initiative!</strong></div>
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<div>The New London County Initiative is one of four such programs we’re currently undertaking across the state. <img src="/sites/default/files/2019%20NLC%20AI%20Bridge%20Project.jpg" alt="2019 NLC AI Bridge Project" width="350" height="228" style="float: right;" />Our <strong><a href="http://www.ctconservation.org/stronger-together" target="_blank">award winning</a> <a href="http://www.ctconservation.org/connecticut-land-trust-advancement-initiative-growing-conservation-stewardship-capacity-building" target="_blank">Regional Land Trust Advancement Initiatives</a> </strong>focus on <strong>building stronger organizational capacity and durable collaboration for land trusts working in the same region</strong>. </div>
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<div>Since launching the Initiative program in 2014 -- with generous underwriting support from <strong><a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/ct/home/" target="_blank">NRCS Connecticut</a></strong>, the <strong><a href="https://www.cfect.org/" target="_blank">Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut</a></strong>, the <strong><a href="https://conncf.org/" target="_blank">Connecticut Community Foundation</a></strong>, and supporters, like you -- over thirty land trusts and communities in five regions have received technical assistance and worked on collaborative projects focused on topics including communications, community engagement, stewardship, record keeping, regional mapping, strategic planning, shared services, and more.
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<div>The best part of the program is bringing land trust leaders -- like those pictured above from <strong><a href="https://avalonia.org/" target="_blank">Avalonia Land Conservancy</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.colchesterlandtrust.org/" target="_blank">Colchester Land Trust</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="http://gosaonline.org/" target="_blank">Groton Open Space Association</a></strong> -- <strong>together on a regular basis to learn, share, and have some fun</strong>.</div>
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<div>Our Advancement Initiatives are a reminder that, all around the state, <strong>land brings people together for a common purpose</strong>; links trails and protects water; is a source of pride; and serves as a connection to nature -- and each other. </div>
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<div><em>Conserving land enables us to build bridges in more ways than one! <img src="/sites/default/files/images/ABP_%20Josie%20and%20Harriet%20May%202018%20cropped_0.jpg" alt="ABP with Josie and Harriet" width="250" height="206" style="float: right;" /></em></div>
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<div class="gl-contains-text">Sincerely,</div>
<div class="gl-contains-text"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img src="/sites/default/files/images/Amy%20short%20png_1.PNG" alt="Amy signature" width="100" height="100" /></span></div>
<div class="gl-contains-text"><span style="font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0px;">Amy Blaymore Paterson, Esq.</span></div>
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<div class="gl-contains-text">
<div>Executive Director</div>
<div><strong><a href="mailto:abpaterson@ctconservation.org" target="_blank">abpaterson@ctconservation.org</a></strong></div>
<div> </div>
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<div class="gl-contains-text">P.S. Interested in learning more about how our Advancement Initiative program may assist land trusts in your region? <strong><a href="mailto:abpaterson@ctconservation.org" target="_blank">Let's talk</a></strong>!</div>
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</div></div></div>Sat, 27 Jul 2019 06:46:35 +0000Cristina Gastador1489 at http://ctconservation.orgThey depend on us toohttp://ctconservation.org/they-depend-us-too
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Check out this cutie! <img src="/sites/default/files/images/unnamed%20%281%29.jpg" alt="Fledgling" width="250" height="233" style="float: left;" /></p>
<p>This fledging was hopping around my yard, strutting his/her stuff, with Mom and Dad watching nearby. After securing my dogs -- whose presence had stirred the parents into a loud and threatening frenzy -- I returned to check on this baby. Within just a few minutes, the family was nowhere in sight. </p>
<p>Although weeks ago, I still wonder and worry about the fate of this little one.</p>
<p>Fledgings, fawns, bear cubs ... they are all around us this time of year. They depend on their parents to get them going on the tenuous path towards independence. </p>
<p>They depend on us too. </p>
<p>These babies remind us how important your conservation work is to protecting the land and water that they and all wildlife need to survive and thrive. </p>
<p>Thank you for all you do for their future and ours. </p>
<p>Wishing you a very happy July 4th holiday. </p>
<p>Sincerely,<img src="/sites/default/files/images/unnamed%20%282%29_0.jpg" alt="Amy and dogs" width="200" style="float: right;" /></p>
<p> <img src="/sites/default/files/images/Amy-signature-100.jpg" alt="Amy Signaure" width="100" height="65" /></p>
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<p>Amy Blaymore Paterson, Esq. <br />Executive Director<br /><a href="mailto:abpaterson@ctconservation.org" target="_blank" data-link-type="email">abpaterson@ctconservation.org</a></p>
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<p>P.S. In between snapping the photo and returning to check on the bird, I found some insight into what to do/not to do if you find a baby bird from <a href="https://www.audubon.org/news/when-you-should-and-should-not-rescue-baby-birds" target="_blank">this article</a> from <a href="https://www.audubon.org/" target="_blank">National Audubon Society</a>.</p>
</div></div></div>Sat, 29 Jun 2019 04:32:51 +0000Cristina Gastador1482 at http://ctconservation.org I won't let it gohttp://ctconservation.org/i-wont-let-it-go
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<p>I’m a big fan of the NPR Politics Podcast. If you also listen then you know that at the end of each show, the political reporters share something from the week’s news that they “can’t let go of.”</p>
<p>As I sat down to write this message, I was thinking about the recent <strong><a href="https://www.ipbes.net/deliverables/2c-global-assessment" target="_blank">UN biodiversity report</a></strong> and the incredibly distressing news of the threatened extinction of 1 million species. <strong>News I can’t let go of</strong>. </p>
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/images/ABP_.jpg" alt="Amy and dogs" width="250" height="206" style="float: left;" />Yet the report also states that <strong>it is not too late to make a difference</strong> – underscoring more than ever the importance of your land conservation work. </p>
<p>This month, I celebrated my ninth year as CLCC’s executive director and reflected on <strong>how far we have come together</strong>.</p>
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<p><strong>Connecticut’s land conservation community continues to grow: working to save more land, reach more people, and be a vocal and visible force at the state Capitol.</strong></p>
<p>All of which fills me with hope. </p>
<p>I can’t (and won’t) let go of that either.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
</div>
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<p><img src="/sites/default/files/images/Amy%20short%20png_0.PNG" alt="Amy signature" width="80" height="80" /><br />Amy Blaymore Paterson, Esq.<br />Executive Director<br /><strong><a href="mailto:abpaterson@ctconservation.org" target="_blank">abpaterson@ctconservation.org</a></strong></p>
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<p class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor">P.S. The 2019 legislative session adjourns on June 5. We are in the home stretch. <strong><a href="http://www.ctconservation.org/2019-legislative-session-update-may-6" target="_blank">Read our legislative update</a></strong> and please continue to communicate with <strong><a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp" target="_blank">your legislators</a></strong> about issues that are important to you and your land conservation work.</p>
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</div></div></div>Tue, 28 May 2019 16:42:48 +0000Cristina Gastador1465 at http://ctconservation.org Earth Day is a Call to Actionhttp://ctconservation.org/earth-day-call-action
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<p>Happy Earth Day! </p>
<p>National Geographic Magazine recently <strong><a href="https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/04/160422-earth-day-46-facts-environment/" target="_blank">published a list of 49 of the most significant milestones in environmental protection</a></strong> <a href="https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/04/160422-earth-day-46-facts-environment/" target="_blank"> </a> since the first Earth Day on April 22,1970 -- 49 years ago. </p>
<p>These victories remind us of how far we’ve come. To honor that progress, the North Face Brand has <strong><a href="https://www.change.org/p/governments-around-the-globe-earth-day-should-be-a-national-holiday-2" target="_blank">started a petition to make Earth Day a national holiday</a></strong>.</p>
<p>And yet, now is not the time to rest on our laurels . Time is running out to meaningfully address the perils of climate change, and concerted efforts are underway at the federal level to rollback, de-fund, and otherwise weaken much of the legislation put in place to protect our environment.</p>
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/images/ABP.jpg" alt="Amy and turtle" width="274" height="350" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
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<p>Let’s use this Earth Day as a CALL TO ACTION , so that we can continue to chart our progress through its 50th anniversary and beyond!</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/images/Amy-signature-100.jpg" alt="Amy signature" width="100" height="65" /></p>
<p>Amy Blaymore Paterson<br />Executive Director<br /><a href="mailto:abpaterson@ctconservation.org">abpaterson@ctconservation.org</a></p>
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<div>P.S. With less than 2 months remaining in the 2019 legislative session, our priorities in Hartford include protecting the Community Investment Act, defeating efforts to impose a tax on land trusts, funding important conservation programs, and enacting Green Economy legislation that will implement meaningful changes to address climate change. <strong><a href="http://www.ctconservation.org/2019-legislative-session-mid-session-update-32719" target="_blank">Read our legislative update and 2019 testimony &gt;&gt;</a></strong></div>
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</div></div></div>Tue, 23 Apr 2019 03:18:29 +0000Cristina Gastador1451 at http://ctconservation.orgDisappointment and Resolvehttp://ctconservation.org/disappointment-and-resolve
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/sites/default/files/images/superbowl%20hartford%20144.JPG" alt="Amy testifying" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" height="220" /><em>Testifying in support of HB 5254 at the Environment Committee public hearing on February 4.</em></p>
<p>This week the Environment Committee voted to pass certain bills, and unfortunately, <a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/TOB/h/pdf/2019HB-05254-R01-HB.PDF" target="_blank">HB 5254</a> was not one of them.</p>
<div>One of CLCC’s top <strong><a href="http://www.ctconservation.org/sites/default/files/documents/2019%20Conservation%20Agenda_0.pdf" target="_blank">conservation priorities</a></strong>, the bill enables a pilot group of towns to adopt a buyer’s conveyance fee program to fund open space and farmland acquisition, stewardship, and other environmental projects. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>While frustrated and disappointed by this setback, we will continue to explore with legislators and the administration other avenues to pursue a municipal land conservation and stewardship funding option. Stay tuned.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We applaud the leadership and foresight of the 15 towns that asked to be included in this pilot program as well as your consistent efforts in advocating for the bill’s passage.</div>
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<div>HB 5254 generated more <strong><a href="http://www.ctconservation.org/sites/default/files/HB%205254%20Summary%20of%20Written%20Testimony%20in%20Support.pdf" target="_blank">public support</a></strong> for a municipal open space funding option than ever before, which bodes well for our continuing efforts to advance the proposal.</div>
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<div>Thank you for continuing to be vocal, strong and relentless in your advocacy in support of policies that will protect our land, water, and other natural resources. Onward!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Sincerely,</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Amy Blaymore Paterson, Esq.</div>
<div>Executive Director</div>
<div><a href="mailto:abpaterson@ctconservation.org">abpaterson@ctconservation.org</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/2019-legislative-session-mid-session-update-32719" target="_blank"><strong>View our 2019 Session Update &gt;&gt;</strong></a></div>
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</div></div></div>Mon, 01 Apr 2019 02:32:21 +0000Cristina Gastador1432 at http://ctconservation.orgWhoa! There's a lot going on!http://ctconservation.org/whoa-theres-lot-going
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><h2 style="text-align: center;">Whoa! There's a lot going on!</h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">We need you!</h3>
<p>There sure is a lot going on this time of year. Here's what you should be watching for this week:</p>
<p>Wednesday (2/27) is HB 5254 Call-In Day</p>
<p>Mark your calendar and watch for information to call your legislators this Wednesday (2/27) and ask that they support <a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/TOB/h/pdf/2019HB-05254-R01-HB.PDF" target="_blank">HB 5254</a> - legislation enabling a voluntary local funding option for open space and farmland acquisition, stewardship and other environmental projects.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ctconservation.org/5254Call-InDay" target="_blank">Read our action alert for further details and watch for reminders &gt;&gt;</a></p>
<p>We'll also keep you posted about upcoming state agency budget presentations and public hearings, and other opportunities to weigh in on bills which impact your land conservation work.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/sites/default/files/images/superbowl%20hartford%20144.JPG" alt="Amy Testifying" width="500" height="220" /><br /><em>Testifying at the ENvironment Committee public hearing on February 4 in favor of HB 5254. <br /><a href="/testimony">You can follow CLCC's alerts and testimony on our website &gt;&gt;</a></em></p>
<p>Thursday (2/28) kicks off #2019ConferenceCountdown</p>
<p>With less than 4 weeks until the <strong>biggest Connecticut land conservation event</strong> of the year, we have some exciting updates coming to you this week. If you haven't done so already, please register!</p>
<p>Yes, there's a lot going on. THere's also a lot at stake. Thank you in advance for taking action and being our partners in all things land conservation!</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/images/Amy-signature-100.jpg" alt="Amy signature" width="100" height="65" /></p>
<p>Amy Blaymore Paterson, Esq.<br />Executive Director<br />abpaterson!ctconservation.org</p>
<p>Photo credits: Environment Committee public hearing by Patrick Comins</p>
</div></div></div>Fri, 22 Mar 2019 14:15:53 +0000Kathy Blachowski1423 at http://ctconservation.orgThings are Heating Up.http://ctconservation.org/things-are-heating
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><h2 style="text-align: center;">Things are heating up.</h2>
<p>It might be cold outside, but things have been heating up big time at CLCC. Here's a quick update on some hot priorities:</p>
<ul><li>With the 2019 legislative session underway, we have been meeting with legislators and sharing CLCC's <a href="http://www.ctconservation.org/sites/default/files/documents/2019%20Conservation%20Agenda_0.pdf" target="_blank">2019 Conservation Agenda</a> at meetings and events around the state.</li>
</ul><ul><li>March 23rd is just around the corner and planning for our 35th annual <a href="http://www.ctconservation.org/2019-conference" target="_blank">Connecticut Land Conservation Conference</a> is in full gear. On-line registration opens next week.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Work has started on three <a href="http://www.ctconservation.org/connecticut-land-trust-advancement-initiative-growing-conservation-stewardship-capacity-building" target="_blank">2019 Land Trust Advancement Initiatives</a>: Continuing stewardship support and GIS mapping in New London County; kicking off a regional communications program with <a href="http://thelastgreenvalley.org/" target="_blank">The Last Green Valley</a> and land trusts in Northeast CT; and launching our new <a href="http://www.ctconservation.org/sites/default/files/CLCC%20Advanced%20Collaboration%20and%20Merger%20Assistance%20Program%20as%20of%20100318.pdf" target="_blank">Advanced Collaboration and Merger Assistance Program</a> in Litchfield County and other regions.</li>
</ul><p>Our team is energized, excited, and determined to assist you in advancing your conservation work through these programs and more.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/sites/default/files/images/Amy_%20Harriet%20_%20Josie%20January%202018.JPG" alt="Amy, Harriet, Josie" width="400" height="453" /><br /><em>Amy, Harriet, and Josie</em></p>
<p>I can't think of a better way to stay warm this winter!</p>
<p>Sincrely,</p>
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/images/Amy%20short%20png_0.PNG" alt="Amy Signature" width="80" height="80" /></p>
<p><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Amy Blaymore Paterson, Esq.</span></p>
<p>Executive DIrector<br /><a href="mailto:abpaterson@ctconservation.org">abpaterson@ctconservation.org</a></p>
<p>P.S. Interested in learning more? Contact me anytime. I love hearing from you!</p>
</div></div></div>Fri, 22 Mar 2019 14:09:13 +0000Kathy Blachowski1422 at http://ctconservation.orgJudge Motley Chester Preserve and Home Chosen for CT Freedom Trail http://ctconservation.org/judge-motley-chester-preserve-and-home-chosen-ct-freedom-trail
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>The former property of Judge Constance Baker Motley (1921-2005), located at 99 Cedar Lake Rd. in Chester, was recently selected as an historic site for the CT Freedom Trail, a state designation that places it among a select few sites that celebrate extraordinary individuals whose lives expanded the circle of freedom and opportunity for all Americans. </p>
<p>The 6.7 acre Judge Constance Baker Motley Preserve and house were identified as an important site that embodies the heroic life of Judge Motley. In the state’s acknowledgement, it highlighted her path-breaking accomplishments, first as a civil rights attorney in the ‘50s and in the ‘60s for the NAACP legal Defense Fund with her courtroom work litigating over 200 desegregation cases in 11 southern states, and then her later service for 38 years as a New York Federal District Judge, the first African American woman to hold such a position.</p>
<p>In 2016, the Chester Land Trust purchased Motley’s land across from her home, located at 99 Cedar Lake Rd. from the Motley Family Trust. Land Trust volunteers cleared the land space near the street to create a parking area with a picnic table for the public to enjoy, along with a kiosk that highlights and provides photos of Judge Motley’s career and her time living in Chester (1965-2005). It is now known as the Constance Baker Motley Preserve. The house, also placed on the Freedom trail, is owned privately.</p>
<p>On November 14, 2018, the CT Freedom Trail Committee, under the state’s Department of Economic &amp; Community Development, approved the application submitted by the Chester Land trust for the preserve and her private home to be listed on the CT Freedom Trail. </p>
<p>A formal dedication will be held in the spring,2019. The Motley Family purchased their seasonal Chester home in 1965 and quietly participated in local events and organizations until her death in 2005. For more details about her accomplishments see the Chester Land trust website. <a href="http://www.chesterlandtrust.org">www.chesterlandtrust.org</a></p>
<p> </p>
</div></div></div>Tue, 08 Jan 2019 17:54:22 +0000spellegrino@tnc.org1384 at http://ctconservation.orgThis is just the beginninghttp://ctconservation.org/just-beginning
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><h2 style="text-align: center;">Th<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">is is just the beginni</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">ng!</span></h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/4cb2e5a6001/46da2ea0-4820-46ba-aadc-a4568a03268f.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">For the past few weeks, I’ve had the honor of serving as a member of the Environment Policy Committee of Governor-Elect Lamont’s Transition Team. Our charge was to develop recommendations for the new administration on critical issues impacting our environment. </span></p>
<p>This week, under the magnificent backdrop of Hammonasset Beach State Park, the committee presented our top policy priorities to a Co-Chair of the Transition Team, members of the public and the press. The room was packed. The comments we received were insightful. The questions thought-provoking. </p>
<p>It was an inspiring experience from start to finish. </p>
<p>Yet, this is just the beginning.</p>
<p>With the next legislative session upon us, there's a ton of hard work ahead. </p>
<p>I am optimistic that together we can and will continue to make good things happen. </p>
<p>Enjoy the winter solstice and the holidays ahead, and thank you for all you do.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p><img src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/4cb2e5a6001/fa5c38f3-795a-435a-b0ab-324a4a6e9f40.jpg" /></p>
<p><strong>Amy Blaymore Paterson, Esq.</strong><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Executive Director<br /></span><a href="mailto:abpaterson@ctconservation.org"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">abpaterson@ctconservation.org</span></a></p>
<p>P.S. With your tax-deductible gift we can make sure that land conservation remains a priority in the upcoming legislative session. <a href="http://www.ctconservation.org/membership">Please consider a year end donation to CLCC.</a> Thank you!</p>
<p><img src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/4cb2e5a6001/9f0a9a22-a7c3-4f31-89d0-565c37c05739.jpg" width="196" height="222" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
</div></div></div>Wed, 26 Dec 2018 20:10:57 +0000jvanderlek1380 at http://ctconservation.org